Hair conditioning solid

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning composition comprising: (a) an effective amount of a film forming polymer; and (b) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, in which the composition is in the form of a solid. A cosmetic hair conditioning device and methods of conditioning and styling hair are also provided.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/120,110, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,090,375, filed Jul. 21, 1998 which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/698,326, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,280, filed Aug.6, 1996.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cosmetic hair conditioning compositionsin the form of solids, especially sticks. The invention also relates toa cosmetic hair conditioning device and methods of conditioning andstyling hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human hair becomes soiled due to its contact with the surroundingatmosphere and, to a greater extent, from sebum secreted by the head.The build-up of the sebum causes the hair to have a dirty feel and anunattractive appearance. The soiling of the hair requires that it beshampooed frequently.

Shampooing the hair removes excess soil and sebum. However, theshampooing process has the disadvantage that the hair is left in atangled and generally unmanageable state. A variety of approaches havebeen tried to alleviate this after-shampoo problem. These approachesrange from the inclusion of hair conditioning aids in shampoos topost-shampoo application of hair conditioners, i.e., hair rinses.Difficulties associated with the use of conditioning aids in shampoosinclude compatibility problems and a greasy feel on the just-washedhair. Hair rinses typically work by depositing a polymeric film or othermaterial onto the hair. However, the previous approaches to theafter-shampoo problem have not been fully satisfactory. For one thing,hair rinses are generally liquid in nature and must be applied in aseparate step following the shampooing, left on the hair for a length oftime, and rinsed with fresh water. This process is time consuming andnot convenient. The results obtained in this manner also have not beenfully satisfactory due to the difficulties associated with thedeposition and retention on the hair of the hair conditioning aid.

Conditioning and styling products ideally provide several benefitssimultaneously. Desired benefits include conditioning, hold for styling,shine, etc. Existing conditioning and styling products are usually inthe form of a spray, mousse, or gel. They usually contain a resin, suchas an acrylate polymer or poly(vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate)copolymer, which provides the hold, and other materials to modify theconditioning and other cosmetic benefits. They usually contain materialswhich plasticize the resin, reducing the flaking and making the holdless “crisp.” When these products are applied to the hair, the volatilecomponents such as water and alcohol evaporate, leaving the resin andother chemicals behind. If a plasticizer is used, it is usually at avery low level compared to the level of the resin. Too much plasticizerwill significantly reduce the holding ability of the resin, make theproduct sticky, and create other undesirable aesthetic properties. Manydifferent types of chemicals will plasticize a hair polymer, includingglycerin, fragrances or other oils, silicones, and cosmetic esters.

A solid stick is used as the delivery form for many types of cosmeticproducts such as deodorants, lip conditioners, and color cosmetics.Stick formulas are generally based on either silicones, glycols andsoap, or waxes. The glycol/soap base, which is water soluble ordispersible, is the traditional form for deodorants and antiperspirants.It consists primarily of water, glycols (such as glycerin or propyleneglycol), alcohol and/or glycol esters, and is made into a solid form byaddition of soap, usually sodium stearate.

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning solid, especially inthe form of a stick, that contains a hair styling polymer resin andresults in a styling product that gives good hold to the hair, does notflake, and provides other cosmetic benefits, such as shine andconditioning. The bulk of the stick can be glycols, glycol esters, orother materials. In a traditional styling product, when glycols orglycol esters are present, their weight percent of the composition mustbe kept low to avoid plasticizing the resin to the point where it wouldlose most of its hold. However, in a solid of the invention the glycolsor glycol esters are present at much higher weight percents of thecomposition and the composition has good hold. This difference in theeffect of glycols and glycol esters in the properties of thecompositions of the invention and their effect in traditional stylingproducts emphasizes the different nature of the compositions of theinvention.

The cosmetic hair conditioning solid of the present invention improvesupon the prior art by providing a cosmetic hair conditioning compositionthat is in the form of a solid. The composition of the present inventionis easy to use, both for conditioning and styling, and can be formedinto any desired shape. The composition of the invention also requires alesser amount of packaging than previous hair conditioners because it ismore concentrated; the packaging constraints are also less stringentbecause it is a solid instead of a liquid or gel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprising: (a) an effective amount of a film forming polymer; and (b) acosmetically acceptable vehicle, in which the composition is in the formof a solid. The composition is preferably in the form of a stick.

The invention also provides a cosmetic hair conditioning devicecomprising: (a) a cosmetic hair conditioning composition; and (b) aholder for the cosmetic hair conditioning composition. The inventionprovides a method of conditioning hair comprising applying a cosmetichair conditioning composition of the invention to hair.

Additional features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thedescription which follows and in part will be apparent from thedescription. The objectives and other advantages of the invention willbe realized and attained by the cosmetic hair conditioning compositionand cosmetic hair conditioning device and its uses as particularlypointed out in the written description and claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprising: (a) an effective amount of a film forming polymer; and (b) acosmetically acceptable vehicle, in which the composition is in the formof a solid. The composition preferably has a hardness such that it willhave a penetration measurement of not more than 200 in the PenetrometerTest. More preferably, the composition will have a penetrationmeasurement of from 50 to 70 in the Penetrometer Test. The PenetrometerTest is performed with a standard penetrometer such as Model 73510 fromPrecision Scientific Petroleum Instruments Co. of Bellwood, Ill. Asample is prepared by pouring a sufficient amount of a meltedcomposition of the invention into a glass jar about 6 cm in diameter toform a solid composition about 6 cm tall. After the melted compositionis cooled to room temperature to form a solid, the metal cone of thepenetrometer is applied to the solid sample for 5 seconds with a load of150 g. The penetration of the cone into the sample is measured in tenthsof a millimeter to give a penetration measurement.

The cosmetic hair conditioning compositions preferably transfer aneffective amount of a film forming polymer to hair when applied by hand.The cosmetic hair conditioning compositions of the invention are usefulfor styling and conditioning hair. When styling primarily is desired, itis often preferable to apply the cosmetic hair conditioning compositionsof the invention to dry hair or hair that is slightly wet.

In a preferred embodiment the cosmetic hair conditioning composition isin the form of a stick; in another preferred embodiment the compositionis in the form of a cylinder. The film forming polymer preferably ispresent in an amount of from 1 to 40 percent by weight, more preferablyfrom 1 to 20 percent by weight, and most preferably from 3 to 15 percentby weight.

The film forming polymer can be a synthetic polymer or copolymer; thefilm forming polymer can be a naturally occurring polymer or copolymer.The composition can comprise at least one film forming polymer that is asynthetic polymer or copolymer and at least one film forming polymerthat is a naturally occurring polymer or copolymer.

The film forming polymer can be a synthetic polymer or copolymer that ispolymerized from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or mixturesthereof. Preferred ethylenically unsaturated monomers include vinylalcohol, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinyl caprolactam, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, C₁-C₁₂esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide,crotonic acid, vinyl neodecanoate, styrene, vinyl laurate, N-tertiarybutyl acrylamide, methyl vinyl ether, ethylene, monobutyl maleate,maleic anhydride, allyl acetate, isobutyl vinyl ether,N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (meth) acrylate and its derivatives quaternizedwith dimethyl and diethyl sulfate, diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,vinyl substituted siloxanes or mixtures thereof.

Naturally occurring polymers or copolymers that can be used includecellulose, modified cellulose, carbohydrate polymer, or a modifiedcarbohydrate polymer. Other naturally occurring polymers and copolymersthat can be used include methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, propylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, hydroxymethylcellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose,xanthan gum, alginic acid, quaternary nitrogen-containing celluloseethers, graft copolymers of N,N-diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride withcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose and galactomannan gums, or quaternarychitosan derivatives, guar gum, locust bean gum, and modified formsthereof.

The film forming polymer can also be selected from vinyl acetate/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymer, vinylpyrrolidone/acrylamide copolymer, ethyl cellulose, vinylacetate/crotonic acid copolymer, Eastman AQ sulfopolyester polymers,vinyl pyrrolidone/ethyl methacrylate copolymer, copolymer of dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride and hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, chitosan, vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylatecopolymer, vinyl caprolactam/vinyl pyrrolidone copolymer,polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polyquaternium 4-copolymer ofhydroxyethyl cellulose and diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride,poly(ethylhexyl methacrylate), polydiallyldimethyl ammonium chloride,hydroxyethylcellulose, copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate quaternized with diethyl sulfate, polysilane 2-polymerformed by the reaction of tetradecene with polymerized tetramethylcyclosiloxane, polyethylmethacrylate, or polyvinylacetate. In apreferred embodiment the film forming polymer is a vinyl acetate/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer.

The cosmetically acceptable vehicle may be an aqueous or nonaqueousvehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the cosmetically acceptable vehiclecomprises: (a) a fatty acid soap; (b) a nonionic component; and (c)water. In another embodiment, the cosmetically acceptable vehiclecomprises: (a) a fatty acid soap; (b) a nonionic component; and (c) alower alcohol.

A preferred composition of the invention comprises: (a) 1 to 15 weightpercent of the film forming polymer; (b) 3 to 10 weight percent of afatty acid soap; (c) 0 to 60 weight percent of a polyhydric alcohol; (d)15 to 60 weight percent of a nonionic component; and (e) 10 to 50 weightpercent of water, a lower alcohol, or mixtures thereof.

Another preferred composition comprises: (a) 3 to 10 weight percent ofthe film forming polymer; (b) 3 to 10 weight percent of a fatty acidsoap; (c) 15 to 40 weight percent of a polyhydric alcohol; (d) 25 to 40weight percent of a nonionic component; and (e) 20 to 45 weight percentof water, a lower alcohol, or mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the invention preferably comprise a sugar, morepreferably table sugar. The sugar component provides additionalstability to the stick. The compositions of the invention preferablycomprise a polyhydric alcohol, more preferably a polyhydric alcoholselected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or glycerol. Thecompositions of the invention preferably comprise a fatty acid soap,especially sodium stearate. In a preferred embodiment the compositionsof the invention are transparent or translucent.

In a preferred embodiment the cosmetically acceptable vehicle comprises:(a) a polyhydric alcohol; (b) a C₁₄-C₁₈ sodium or potassium fatty acidsoap; (c) a PEG-6 caprylic/capric triglyceride; (d) water; (e) a sugar;and (f) a C₂-C₃ monohydroxy alcohol. In another embodiment, thecosmetically acceptable vehicle is nonaqueous and comprises: (a) apolyhydric alcohol; (b) a C₁₄-C₁₈ sodium or potassium fatty acid soap;and (c) an alkoxylate copolymer. The alkoxylate copolymer preferably isa product having the formula

R(OC₃H₆)a(OC₂H₄)_(b)OH

wherein R is selected from hydrogen or hydrocarbon chains having from 2to 20 carbon atoms, a and b are each from 0 to 35 and the sum of a+b isfrom 5 to 35.

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprising: (a) 5 to 30 weight percent water; (b) 0 to 60 weight percentof an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having from 2 to 3 carbon atoms andfrom 2 to 3 hydroxyl groups; (c) 20 to 50 weight percent of a nonioniccompound selected from C₁₂-C₁₈ alcohol alkoxylates, PEG (1-10)caprylic/capric triglycerides, or mixtures thereof; (d) 1 to 10 weightpercent of a film forming polymer; (e) 3 to 7 weight percent of a sugar;(f) 3 to 10 weight percent of a fatty acid soap; and (g) 10 to 15 weightpercent of an alcohol selected from ethanol, isopropyl alcohol ormixtures thereof; wherein the composition is in the form of a solid.This composition preferably is in the form of a stick. The polyhydricalcohol preferably is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,or glycerol. The nonionic material preferably is PEG-6 caprylic/caprictriglyceride. The film forming polymer may be any of those describedherein. The sugar preferably is table sugar and the fatty acid soappreferably is sodium stearate.

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprising: (a) 20 to 30 weight percent of water; (b) 3 to 10 weightpercent of sodium stearate; (c) 15 to 35 weight percent of PEG-6caprylic/capric triglyceride; (d) 3 to 10 weight percent of a sugar; (c)15 to 25 weight percent of glycerin; (t) 8 to 12 weight percent ofvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer; and (g) 8 to 15 weight percentof ethanol; wherein the composition is in the form of a solid stick.

The invention also provides a cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprising: (a) 25.6 weight percent water; (b) 7.0 weight percent sodiumstearate; (c) 20.0 weight percent of PEG-6 caprylic/capric triglyceride;(d) 6.0 weight percent of table sugar; (e) 20.0 weight percent glycerin;(f) 10.0 weight percent of a vinyl acetate/vinyl pyrrolidone copolymer;(g) 10.0 weight percent ethanol; and the balance being othernonessential components.

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprising: (a) 20 to 30 weight percent water; (b) 3 to 10 weightpercent sodium stearate; (c) 25 to 40 weight percent PEG-6caprylic/capric triglyceride; (d) 3 to 7 weight percent of a sugar; (e)8 to 12 weight percent of a vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer;and (f) 8 to 15 weight percent of ethanol; wherein the composition is inthe form of a solid stick.

The invention also provides a cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprising: (a) 26 weight percent water; (b) 7.0 weight percent sodiumstearate; (c) 36.0 weight percent PEG-6 caprylic/capric triglyceride;(d) 6.1 weight percent table sugar; (e) 10.0 weight percent of a vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer; (f) 12.5 weight percent of ethanol;and the balance being other nonessential components.

The invention provides a cosmetic hair conditioning device comprising:(a) a cosmetic hair conditioning composition; and (b) a holder for thecosmetic hair conditioning composition; wherein the cosmetic hairconditioning composition comprises: (i) an effective amount of a filmforming polymer; and (ii) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle; wherein thecomposition is in the form of a solid. The composition preferablytransfers a cosmetically effective amount of a film forming polymer tohair when applied by hand. The composition preferably is in the form ofa stick or cylinder. In a preferred embodiment the composition is in theform of a cylinder and the holder is in the form of a larger concentriccylinder. The holder preferably is made of plastic.

The invention provides a method of conditioning hair comprising applyinga cosmetic hair conditioning composition to hair so that it isconditioned, wherein the cosmetic hair conditioning compositioncomprises: (i) an effective amount of a film forming polymer; and (ii) acosmetically acceptable vehicle, in which the composition is in the formof a solid. The cosmetic hair conditioning composition preferably isapplied by hand and preferably is applied to hair that is wet.

The invention also provides a method of styling hair comprising applyinga cosmetic hair conditioning composition to hair so that it is styled,wherein the cosmetic hair conditioning composition comprises: (i) aneffective amount of a film forming polymer; and (ii) a cosmeticallyacceptable vehicle, in which the composition is in the form of a solid.The cosmetic hair conditioning composition preferably is applied by handand preferably is applied to hair that is dry or slightly wet.

The present invention provides a cosmetic formulation in stick formsuitable for imparting aesthetic properties to the hair comprising: (a)an effective amount of a film forming polymer; and (b) a cosmeticallyacceptable vehicle suitable for forming the stick. The stick impartsshine, conditioning, and hold properties to the hair. The stick may beused to condition hair, preferable after shampooing but prior tocompletely drying.

The essential ingredients of the cosmetic hair conditioning compositionof the present invention as well as optional components, the preparationof the compositions, and the use of the compositions are discussed indetail below.

An essential component of the present invention is the film formingpolymer. A film forming polymer is a polymer that can be made todissolve in a volatile vehicle such as water or alcohol and which, whenthe solvent evaporates, will deposit onto the hair to produce a thinlayer with cosmetic/aesthetic benefits such as conditioning, hold,shine, etc. The film forming polymer is typically selected fromsynthetic polymers and copolymers, as well as naturally occurringpolymers and copolymers as well as their chemically modified forms. Theterm polymer is used to refer to polymeric substances regardless of thenumber of types of-mer units in the substance. The term copolymer isused to refer to polymeric substances with two or more types of-merunits in the substance.

The synthetic polymers and copolymers and their chemically modifiedforms are derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers selected fromvinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, N-vinyl acetamide,N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinyl caprolactam, acrylic acid, methacrylicacid, C₁-C₁₂ esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid, acrylamide,methacrylamide, crotonic acid, vinyl neodecanoate, styrene, vinyllaurate, N-tertiary butyl acrylamide, methyl vinyl ether, ethylene,monobutyl maleate, maleic anhydride, allyl acetate, isobutyl vinylether, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate and their derivativesquaternized with dimethyl and diethyl sulfate, diallyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, vinyl substituted siloxanes and mixtures thereof.

A preferred polymer is a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinylacetate having a molecular weight anywhere from 5,000 to 100,000. Asuitable copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate is availablefrom BASF under the tradename Luviskol. Other polymers which can be usedin the cosmetic sticks of the present invention include: a terpolymer ofvinyl acetate, crotonic acid/vinyl neodecanoate sold under the namesResins 28, 29, and 30, available from National Starch; the sodium saltof polystyrene-sulphonic acid of molecular weight of about 500,000, soldunder the name Flexan 500, available from National Starch; the sodiumsalt of a polystyrene-sulphonic acid of molecular weight of the order of100,000, sold under the name Flexan 130, available from National Starch;a copolymer of N-tertiary butyl acrylamide, acrylamide, acrylic acid,and N-vinylpyrrolidone, sold under the name Quadramer 5, available fromAmerican Cyanamid; the monobutyl ester of a methyl vinyl ether/ maleicacid copolymer, sold under the name Gantrez ES 425, available fromGeneral Aniline; a copolymer of ethylene and monobutyl maleate soldunder the name EMA 1325, available from Monsanto; a terpolymer of vinylacetate, crotonic acid, and allyl dimethylpropanoate (77/8/15), acopolymer of vinyl acetate, crotonic acid, allyl dimethylpropanoate andvinyl laurate (77/8/14/1), a copolymer of vinyl acetate, allyl stearateand allyloxyacetic acid (80.5/15/4.5), a terpolymer of vinyl acetate,crotonic acid and polyethylene glycol, all available from Hoechst; apolymer of methacrylic acid, of molecular weight 10,000 and viscosity1,000 cps, in the form of a 25% strength solution, available from AlliedColloids.

Additional useful film forming polymers include the following. A mixtureof a homopolymer and a copolymer of acrylic acid, of molecular weightabout 3,500, in the form of a 25% strength solution of viscosity 16 cps,available from Allied Colloids; a carboxyvinyl polymer, of highmolecular weight, derived from acrylic acid, available from GoodrichChemicals; a copolymer of allyl acetate and maleic anhydride,monoesterified with ethanol (50/50); a copolymer of isobutyl vinyl etherand maleic anhydride monoesterified with ethanol (50/50); a copolymer otallyl acetate and maleic anhydride amidified with docecylamine anddibutylamine (50/50); a terpolymer of allyl acetate, 2 ethyl hexylacrylate and maleic anhydride, monoesterified with ethanol(47.4/2.6/50); and a copolymer of isobutyl vinyl ether, allylneoheptanoate and maleic anhydride monoesterified with ethanol(18.2/31.8/50), all available from Hoechst.

The naturally occurring polymer, copolymers and their chemicallymodified forms preferably are selected from methyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, propylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan,hydroxymethylcellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginicacid, quaternary nitrogen containing cellulose ethers, graft copolymersof N,N-diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride with cellulose,hydroxyethylcellulose and galactomeannan gums and quaternary chitosanderivatives.

Other polymers such as a sulfonated polyester derived fromsulphoisophthalic acid can also be used in the cosmetic compositions ofthe present invention. The film forming component preferably is presentin the cosmetic compositions of the present invention at a level of from1 to 15 weight percent and more preferably from 3 to 10 weight percentof the composition.

The cosmetic hair conditioning composition preferably includes anonionic component. Preferred nonionic components of the presentinvention are C₂-C₂₀ alkanol alkoxylates and caprylic/capric polyolesters. A typical alkoxylate is an ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxidecondensation product having the following formula:

R(OC₃H₆)_(a)(OC₂H₄)_(b)OH

wherein R is either hydrogen or a hydrocarbon chain having from about 2to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from about 4 to 18, a and b are each from0 to 35 and a+b is from 5 to 35.

Examples of such products are a condensate of about 14 moles ofpropylene oxide with about one mole of butyl alcohol, available fromUnion Carbide under the name Fluid AP®; a polypropylene glycol having amolecular weight of 1200; a polyethylene glycol having a molecularweight of 420; a condensate of 20 moles of ethylene oxide and 5 moles ofpropylene oxide with one mole of cetyl alcohol; and a condensate of 15moles of propylene oxide with one mole of stearyl alcohol. The preferredcondensate is Fluid AP®.

The caprylic/capric polyol ester preferably is selected fromcaprylic/capric/diglycerol succinate, caprylic/capric glyceride,caprylic/capric/lauric triglyceride, caprylic/capric/myristic/stearictriglyceride, caprylic/capric/stearic triglyceride, caprylic/caprictriglyceride, caprylic/capric triglyceride PEG-4 esters andcaprylic/capric triglyceride PEG-6 esters.

Other nonionic components which can be used in the compositions of thepresent invention include C₁₀-C₂₂ fatty alcohols such as lauryl alcohol,myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, behenyl alcoholsand cetyl alcohols as well as their C₁-C₄ alkylene oxide adducts.Additional materials include PPG-3 myristyl ether and PPG-10 myristylether and their equivalents.

The nonionic component preferably is present in the compositions of thepresent invention at a level of from 20 to 50 weight percent, morepreferably from 25 to 40 weight percent of the composition.

The cosmetic compositions of the present invention preferably include asugar component. The sugar component of the present invention istypically a monosaccharide or a disaccharide. Typical monosaccharidesare selected from glucose, fructose, mannose, or galactose. Thedisaccharide component is typically selected from sucrose, maltose, orlactose. A preferred sugar is table sugar. The sugar componentpreferably is present in the cosmetic compositions of the presentinvention at a level of from 2 to 10 weight percent, more preferablyfrom 3 to 7 weight percent of the composition.

The cosmetic compositions of the present invention preferably includewater. The water component of the present invention is typicallydeionized water, however, fresh tap water, spring water and distilledwater can be used. The water content of the compositions of the presentinvention preferably is 10 to 30 weight percent, more preferably 20 to30 weight percent of the composition. However, compositions of theinvention may also be formed without water.

Another preferred component of the present cosmetic compositions is apolyhydric aliphatic alcohol containing 2 or 3 carbon atoms and from 2to 3 hydroxyl groups. The polyhydric aliphatic alcohol component of thecomposition comprises from 0 to 60 weight percent, more preferably from15 to 40 weight percent of the composition.

Suitable polyhydric alcohols for use in the gel compositions hereininclude ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, andglycerine.

Another important component of the cosmetic compositions of theinvention is a gel forming agent. The preferred gel forming agents arethe sodium or potassium salts (i.e., soaps) of fatty acids containingfrom about 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

Soaps preferably comprise from 3 to 10 weight percent, more preferablyfrom 4 to 8 weight percent of the composition. If soap concentrationslower than those specified are employed, the gels formed tend to bedimensionally unstable and tend to deform at summertime temperatures. Ifconcentrations of soap above those specified are utilized, the gelsformed tend to be too hard and do not exhibit desirable glide andapplication characteristics.

The fatty acid portion of the soap gel forming agents preferably areessentially pure saturated or unsaturated higher fatty acids having aC₁₄ to C₁₈ backbone. Suitable mixtures of such acids can be employedprovided that such mixtures are free from significant proportions ofother fatty acids of higher or lower chain length which substantiallyadversely affect or neutralize the desired gel forming effects.

Examples of fatty acids useful in synthesizing the gel forming agentsherein include myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic,margaric and mixtures of such acids. Naturally occurring sources of suchfatty acids include coconut oil, beef tallow, lanolin, fish oil,beeswax, palm oil, peanut oil, olive oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil,corn oil, rapeseed oil, rosin acids, and greases. Conventionalfractionation and/or hydrolysis techniques can be employed if necessaryto obtain the requisite types of fatty acids from such materials.Preferred fatty acid soap type gel forming agents include sodiumstearate, sodium palmitate, potassium stearate, potassium palmitate andsodium myristate. The most preferred gel forming agent is sodiumstearate.

The cosmetic compositions of the present invention preferably includefrom 8 to 15 weight percent and more preferably from 10 to 12 weightpercent of a lower alcohol, preferably selected from ethanol,isopropanol, or mixtures thereof. A preferred embodiment has a 50:50mixture of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.

If the composition is nonaqueous, a silicone component is preferred.Typical silicones which can be used in the compositions of the presentinvention include nonvolatile and volatile silicones. The preferredsilicones are selected from cyclomethicone, dimethicone, andpolydimethylsiloxanes having 4, 5, and 6 silicon atoms consisting ofbetween 30-40% D₄, 60-70% D₅, and 1-5% D₆ (Dow Corning Corporation DC345fluid). The silicone component preferably is present in the cosmeticstick of the present invention at a level of from 20 to 60 weightpercent and more preferably from 25 to 55 weight percent of thecomposition when the vehicle is a nonaqueous vehicle.

The cosmetic compositions of the present invention can also include apreservative. Typical preservatives that can be formulated into thecosmetic compositions of the present invention include amyl gallate,butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT),2,5-di-tertbutyl hydroquinone, norhydroquaiaretic acid, butylp-hydroxybenzoate, dihydroxybenzoate (methyl paraben), propyl gallate,propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, hydroxychromans, hydroxycoumarans,tocopherols, solvent extracted wheat germ oil, casein, edestin,ethanolamine, glutamic acid, hydroxamic acids, kephalin, lecithin, plantand animal phosphatides, purines (xanthine and uric acid), ascorbinacid, citric acid, dilauryl thiopropionate, distearyl thiopropionate,galactaronic acid, glucurronic acid, isopropyl citrate, maleic acid,malonic acid, mannitol, oxalic acid, propionic acid, sorbitol, tartaricacid, thiopropionic acid, phosphoric acid and its salts and phosphorousacid and its salts. Any of the above preservatives can be used, as longas it is compatible with the other components of the cosmetic stickformulation. The preservative is present in an amount effective toimpart preservation. Typical amounts of preservative are from 0.05 to0.2 weight percent.

The cosmetic compositions of the present invention preferably include afragrance, however, they also can be manufactured unscented. Totalfragrance levels of the present invention may vary from 0.5 to 5 weightpercent of the composition. Preferably, total fragrance will be from 0.8to 3 weight percent, more preferably from 1 to 2 weight percent.

Any type of fragrance may be used in the compositions of the presentinvention. These fragrances include natural oils, synthetic components,or mixtures thereof.

Other miscellancous ingredients of the cosmetic sticks or the presentinvention include herbal materials, colorings, and dyes.

The invention also provides a process for preparing a transparentcosmetic composition of the invention. The process comprises combiningthe ingredients in liquid form. To manufacture a stick, the combinedingredients are poured into a container having a particular shape sothat the solid which forms takes the shape of the container.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is in the form of a stick ofcircular or oval cross-section contained in a stick dispenser or holder.Suitable dispensers or holders have an airtight cap so as to preventevaporation of volatile ingredients during storage between uses.

The cosmetic compositions of the invention are applied to the hair asdesired to impart either, holding, shining or conditioning properties tothe hair. The stick is typically rubbed on the hair to leave a depositof the cosmetic composition. The hair may be either wet or dry.

The following examples are illustrative of the invention, but are notintended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The parts andpercentages in the examples are represented by weight.

Procedure for Making Cosmetic Hair Conditioning Sticks

The sticks are made by the following method. The materials are combined,except for the fragrance and coloring, in a Griffin beaker ofappropriate size and heated at a temperature of from about 75 C to about90 C. The materials are mixed with moderate agitation until all solidcomponents are melted and the batch is uniform. The solution is thencooled to about 60 C and the fragrance and coloring are then mixed in.The solution is then poured into a stick mold and allowed to solidify.

EXAMPLE 1

Example 1 was made by the procedure for making cosmetic hairconditioning sticks described above. The components of the solution aregiven in the following table. All of the components except thefragrance, methyl paraben, and Germall II were added and dissolved.Then, the fragrance, methyl paraben, and Germall II were added and theprocedure described above was followed. GERMALL II is a preservativeavailable from International Specialty Products. PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride is available from Huls America, Inc. under the tradenameSoftigen 767. PVP/VA copolymer is available from BASF under thetradename Luviskol.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 PVP/VA copolymer10.0 Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 2

Example 2 was made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.5 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 36.0triglyceride Table sugar 6.0 Copolymer of vinyl 10.0 pyrrolidone/vinylacetate Ethanol 13.1 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 3

Example 3 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Propyl paraben 0.1 Poly (vinyl 10.0pyrrolidone/acrylamide) copolymer Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II0.300 TOTAL 100.000

EXAMPLE 4

Example 4 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 10.0 Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 5

Example 5 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Ethylene glycol 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Copolymerof vinyl pyrrolidone 10.0 and vinyl acetate (PVP/VA copolymer) Ethanol10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 6

Example 6 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Propyl paraben 0.1 Ethyl cellulose10.0 Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 7

Example 7 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Vinylacetate/crotonic acid 10.0 copolymer Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 GermallII 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 8

Example 8 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Ethylene glycol 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 EastmanAQ sulfopolyester 10.0 polymers Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 9

Example 9 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Vinylpyrrolidone/ethyl 10.0 methacrylate copolymer Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 10

Example 10 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 16.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Copolymer of10.0 Dimethyldiallylammonium chloride and hydroxyethylcellulose Ethanol10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 11

Example 11 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 20.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Ethylene glycol 25.0 Methyl paraben 0.1Hydroxypropyl cellulose 10.0 Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 12

Example 12 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Chitosan 10.0Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 13

Example 13 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 20.0 Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl parabenVinylpyrrolidone/Dimethylaminoethyl 10.0 methacrylate copolymer Ethanol10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 14

Example 14 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Vinyl 10.0caprolactam/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 15

Example 15 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 30.0 Sodium Stearate 7.0 Vinyl pyrrolidone/vinylacetate 10.0 copolymer Ethanol 10.0 Isopropyl Alcohol 6.6 PRG-BCaprylic/capric 35.0 triglyceride Methyl paraben 0.1 Fragrance 1.0Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 16

Example 16 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.1 Propylene glycol 50.0 Vinyl pyrrolidone/vinylacetate 10.0 copolymer Sodium stearate 7.5 Ethanol 6.0 Fragrance 1.0Propyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 17

Example 17 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 25.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 20.0triglyceride Table sugar 6.0 Glycerin 20.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Vinylalcohol/vinyl acetate 10.0 copolymer Ethanol 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 GermallII 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 18

Example 18 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.0 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/capric 36.0triglyceride Table sugar 6.0 Polyvinyl pyrrolidone 11.1 Ethanol 12.5Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 19

Example 19 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.5 Polyacrylic acid 10.0 Ethanol 12.5Fragrance 1.0 Methylparaben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 20

Example 20 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.0 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.0 Polyquaternium 4-copolymer of 11.1hydroxyethyl cellulose and diallyl dimethylammonium chloride Ethanol12.5 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 21

Example 21 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 27.6 Sodium Stearate 7.5 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.0 Poly(ethylhexyl methacrylate) 10.0Ethanol 12.5 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 22

Example 22 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.0 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.0 Polydiallyldimethyl ammonium chloride11.1 Ethanol 12.5 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL100.0

EXAMPLE 23

Example 23 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.0 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.0 Hydroxyethylcellulose 11.1 Ethanol12.5 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 24

Example 24 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.0 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.0 Chitosan 11.1 Ethanol 12.5 Fragrance1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 25

Example 25 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.0 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.0 Copolymer of 11.1vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate quaternized withdiethyl sulfate Ethanol 12.5 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 26

Example 26 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.6 Sodium Stearate 7.0 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.5 Table sugar 6.0 Polysilane 2-polymer formed by 10.0the reaction of tetradecene with polymerized tetramethyl cyclosiloxaneEthanol 12.5 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 27

Example 27 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.5 Sodium Stearate 7.1 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.0 Table sugar 6.5 Vinyl acetate/crotonic acid copolymer10.0 Ethanol 12.5 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II 0.3 TOTAL100.0

EXAMPLE 28

Example 28 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 26.5 Sodium Stearate 7.1 PEG-6 Caprylic/caprictriglyceride 36.4 Table sugar 6.1 Copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone/vinylacetate 10.0 Ethanol 12.5 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Germall II0.3 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 29

Example 29 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 20.0 Propylene glycol 50.0 Sodium stearate 7.0Polyacrylic acid 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Ethanol 12.9TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 30

Example 30 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 20.0 Propylene glycol 55.0 Sodium stearate 7.5Chitosan 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Ethanol 6.4 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 31

Example 31 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Water 20.0 Propylene glycol 55.0 Sodium stearate 7.5Polyvinyl pyrrolidone 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Ethanol 6.4TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 32

Example 32 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Reaction product of butyl alcohol with 55.0 14 moles ofpropylene oxide Propylene glycol 20.0 Sodium stearate 7.5 Vinylacetate/vinyl pyrrolidone copolymer 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben0.1 Ethanol 6.4 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 33

Example 33 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Reaction product of myristyl 20.0 alcohol with 3 moles ofpropylene oxide Propylene glycol 18.5 Sodium stearate 7.5Polyethylmethacrylate 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Ethanol 6.4TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 34

Example 34 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % PPG-3 Myristyl ether 28.0 Propylene glycol 12.0Cyclomethicone 34.9 Sodium Stearate 6.0 Polyethylmethacrylate 10.0Fragrance 1.0 Methyl paraben 0.1 Ethanol 8.0 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 35

Example 35 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % PPG-10 Cetyl ether 18.0 Propylene glycol 22.0Cyclomethicone 34.9 Sodium Stearate 6.0 PVP/VA 10.0 Fragrance 1.0 Propylparaben 0.1 Ethanol 8.0 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 36

Example 36 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Cetyl alcohol 19.9 Propylene glycol 20.0Dimethylcyclosiloxane 35.0 Sodium Stearate 6.0 PVP/VA 10.0 Fragrance 1.0Propyl paraben 0.1 Ethanol 8.0 TOTAL 100.0

EXAMPLE 37

Example 37 is made by the procedure of Example 1.

COMPONENT WT % Stearyl alcohol 19.9 Propylene glycol 10.0Dimethylcyclosiloxane 45.0 Sodium Stearate 6.9 Polyvinyl acetate 10.0Fragrance 1.0 Propyl paraben 0.1 Ethanol 8.0 TOTAL 100.0

The above description is provided for the purpose of describingembodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention in any way. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made in thecosmetic hair conditioning solid and device and their uses withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic hair conditioning device comprising:(a) a cosmetic hair conditioning composition; and (b) a holder for thecosmetic hair conditioning composition; wherein the cosmetic hairconditioning composition comprises an effective amount of a film formingpolymer solubilized in an alcohol and/or water-containing cosmeticallyacceptable vehicle gelled by a fatty acid soap; wherein the film-formingpolymer is a synthetic polymer or copolymer polymerized from anethylenically unsaturated monomer or mixtures thereof, the monomer beingselected from the group consisting of vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate,vinyl propionate, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinylcaprolactam, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, C1-C12 esters of acrylicand methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide, crotonic acid, vinylneodecanoate, styrene, vinyl laurate, N-tertiary butyl acrylamide,methyl vinyl ether, ethylene, monobutyl maleate, maleic anhydride, allylacetate, isobutyl vinyl ether, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate andits derivatives quaternized with dimethyl and diethyl sulfate, diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride, vinyl substituted siloxanes and mixturesthereof; or a naturally occurring polymer or copolymer selected from thegroup consisting of cellulose, modified cellulose, carbohydrate polymer,and a modified carbohydrate polymer; and wherein the composition is inthe form of a solid stick.
 2. The cosmetic hair conditioning device ofclaim 1, wherein the composition transfers a cosmetically effectiveamount of a film forming polymer to hair when applied by hand.
 3. Thecosmetic hair conditioning device of claim 1, wherein the composition isin the form of a cylinder.
 4. The cosmetic hair conditioning device ofclaim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a cylinder and theholder is in the form of a larger concentric cylinder.
 5. The cosmetichair conditioning device of claim 1, wherein the holder is made ofplastic.